Mooi: Redefining Sports Spaces with Clubbing Aesthetics

Kenan Özcan's Innovative Approach to Sports Center Design

The inspiration for 'Mooi' stemmed from the desire to transcend traditional boundaries. Instead of designing a conventional sports center, Özcan envisioned a space that encapsulates the dynamism of a club. The potential energy inherent in athletes was channeled into every element of the interior, resulting in a space that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

What sets 'Mooi' apart from other sports centers is its unique blend of industrial and vibrant elements. Air ducts, metal railings, and stripes are balanced harmoniously with colorful fabrics, lights, art pieces, and even disco balls. This juxtaposition creates a unique atmosphere that is both energetic and inviting.

The 'Mooi' sports center spans three stories, including a lounge, spa, pilates studios, and spinning studios, in addition to open sports spaces. A six-meter projection movie screen in the mezzanine enhances the fun aspect of the center, while the use of materials ranging from metal to marble ensures a balance between excitement and relaxation for users.

Located in Istanbul, the 'Mooi' project was initiated in April 2013 and completed in August of the same year. The design process involved extensive research, including visits to numerous sports centers in Europe and the U.S.A. The lack of existing designs matching Özcan's concept proved to be an advantage, allowing for the creation of a truly unique and unexpected interior space.

The main challenge faced during the design process was convincing the client to accept such an unconventional concept. However, the end result - a sports center that doubles as a nightclub - proved to be a significant advantage. 'Mooi' was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017, a testament to its innovative design and exceptional execution.